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Briefs

+ Political e-mail spat ensues
An attempt by Commissioner Peter O’Connor to correct some statements made by District 1 commission candidate Lee Pokoik turned into a war of e-mail words in a matter of days.

O’Connor sent an e-mail to Pokoik Jan. 1 to alert him that commission meeting minutes prove that he did not vote for a $25,000 raise for Town Manager Bruce St. Denis in October 2007.

Pokoik, who opposes the raise increase, insinuated in a follow-up e-mail that O’Connor did vote for the raise, even though the town clerk produced meeting minutes that dispute Pokoik’s claim.

In a follow-up e-mail to Pokoik dated Jan. 2, O’Connor writes: “I’m clearly wasting my time … You obviously do not understand the workings of the town government. I am not your opponent in the upcoming election. I’m done!”

+ Harry’s makes outdoor seating plansHarry’s Continental Kitchens is planning on restoring a portion of the outdoor seating it lost last year.

The restaurant, and its deli, at 525 St. Judes Drive was stripped of all of its outdoor dining seats — about 36 seats — last year because town staff said the restaurant never applied for the seats in the first place.

Town staff said it began working with owners Harry and Lynn Christensen immediately to correct the problem.

The Christensens, however, waited to file for a site-plan amendment until after season started and its new Corner Store was open.

But the Planning and Zoning Board is set to hear a request for Harry’s to construct a new patio that can hold tables and a special exception to allow for 24 outdoor dining seats at its 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 regular meeting.

+ Town will hold early voting
The town of Longboat Key will hold a town-wide preliminary election for District 1 candidates Lynn Larson, Lee Pokoik and incumbent Mayor Lee Rothenberg Friday, Jan. 15 through Friday, Jan. 22, at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, for all registered voters on Longboat Key. Early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Early voting will not be held Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Remember to bring your picture ID with signature.